About Kongthong
Kongthong is a small Khasi village in East Khasi Hills, known as the 'whistling village' for its tradition of jingrwai iawbei, loosely 'the song of the clan's first woman'. When a child is born, the mother composes a tune for them, and that melody becomes the name villagers use to call the person across the hills and forest. There is a longer tune and a shorter version for everyday calling, both separate from the person's regular name, and a tune is never reused after its owner dies. The village has a population of a few hundred, and broom-making is a main livelihood. In 2021 the Ministry of Tourism nominated Kongthong for the UN World Tourism Organization's Best Tourism Villages award, which brought it wider attention. Visitors come for the culture rather than a single sight: listening to villagers call to one another, walking the forest trails around the village and staying overnight in a simple Khasi hut. It suits travellers willing to spend a slow day or night rather than tick off a stop.
What to expect at Kongthong
Village walk: Walk through the village with a local; ask before recording people or their tunes. Homestay: A few traditional Khasi huts take overnight guests with simple home-cooked meals. Book ahead. Trails: Forest paths lead down into the Khatarshnong valley; some lead towards root bridges in the surrounding hills. Shops: Very few; carry cash, snacks and any medicines. Network: Mobile signal can be patchy.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to April
October to April is the recommended window, with clear weather and drier roads. Post-monsoon (October–November) is green and pleasant, and winter (December–February) is cold at night but dry. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain, slippery trails and occasional road damage, so the drive can take much longer. Arrive by mid-afternoon to settle into a homestay before dark; mornings and evenings are when you are most likely to hear the calls.
Getting There
Kongthong is about 52–60 km from Shillong, but hill roads are narrow and the drive can take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Kongthong is about 52–60 km from Shillong, but hill roads are narrow and the drive can take around 2.5 to 3 hours. The route crosses the Khatarshnong area of East Khasi Hills; the village is reachable by four-wheeler, with a short walk from the roadside. Shared sumos from Bara Bazar in Shillong are irregular, so a private cab is more practical; one can be booked from Shillong with Tour Meghalaya. A longer multi-day trek from Lyndem via Mawsohmad is an alternative for hikers.
Entry & Duration
A day trip from Shillong gives a few hours in the village; an overnight homestay is better to experience the whistling tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kongthong from Shillong?
About 52–60 km, but the hill road can take around 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
Why is Kongthong called the whistling village?
Each villager is given a tune by their mother at birth, known as jingrwai iawbei, and people call each other by these melodies instead of spoken names.
Can you stay in Kongthong village?
Yes. A few traditional Khasi huts take overnight guests. Book ahead, as rooms are limited.
How to reach Kongthong from Shillong?
By road through East Khasi Hills; the village is reachable by four-wheeler. Shared sumos run from Bara Bazar but are irregular, so a private cab is easier.
Best time to visit Kongthong?
October to April, when roads and trails are drier and the weather is clear.
Did Kongthong win the best tourism village award?
It was nominated by India's Ministry of Tourism for the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages award in 2021.
